MSci | Undergraduate

Physics with Astro-Physics

Physics studies how our Universe works, from the smallest atomic nucleus to the largest galaxy. Our MSci Physics with Astrophysics degree is aimed at students who have an interest in astronomy and wish to understand the physics behind the pretty pictures. Students undertaking this degree will still obtain a thorough grounding in modern physics, but will also take astrophysics modules that allows them to understand the workings of our Universe, and potentially lead to a career as a research astrophysicist.

Physics with Astro-Physics Degree highlights

Physics at Queen's was ranked 3rd in the country for research intensity in United Kingdom's most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF) exercise as published by the Times Higher Education.

Professional Accreditations

Accredited by the Institute of Physics for the purpose of exemptions from some professional examinations.

Professional Exemptions

You will have partially fulfilled the requirements to obtain the status of Chartered Physicist (CPhys) with the Institute of Physics.

World Class Facilities

You will be taught in our new state-of-the-art teaching centre, containing specialist laboratory equipment and computer facilities.

Internationally Renowned Experts

All of our faculty staff are research scientists in their own right; in the 2014 REF peer-review exercise, 88% of our research was judged as internationally excellent or world-leading, and QUB Physics was 3rd in the UK for research intensity.

Student Experience

Our students rated overall satisfaction in our undergraduate physics degrees at 91% in the 2017 National Student Survey, above the average for UK Universities.

I enjoyed finding out about how the world works and answers to some of the most fundamental questions.

At Stage 2, according to degree selection, modules are taken which reveal the excitement of such areas as:

Astrophysics I
Atomic and Nuclear Physics
Quantum Physics
Optics, Electricity and Magnetism
Physics of the Solid State

Advanced Laboratory work develops the skills of planning, carrying out and analysing experiments and simulations, and provides opportunities for deepening understanding of the wide applicability of physics.

Stage 3

At Stage 3, MSci students also have the opportunity to undertake a Computational project module, which will introduce them to numerical simulations that are fundamental to all areas of physics today.

Also in this year, a major project is carried out in association with one of these research areas, with the student working within world-leading research groups. Through this project students gain an intensive insight into modern scientific research.

Students can also undertake projects with an outside organisation or company provided the research is approved by the Director of Education. Some projects may result in publications in national and international scientific journals.

Learning and Teaching

At Queen’s, we aim to deliver a high quality learning environment that embeds intellectual curiosity, innovation and best practice in learning, teaching and student support to enable student to achieve their full academic potential. Examples of the opportunities provided for learning on this course are:

Computer-Based ModulesThese provide students with the opportunity to develop technical skills and apply theoretical principles to real-life or practical contexts. For example, one of the Level 1 modules, PHY1003 Computational Modelling in Physics, will introduce students to programming and begin developing those skills in the field of theoretical calculations.

E-Learning technologiesInformation associated with lectures and assignments is often communicated via a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) called Queen’s Online. A range of e-learning experiences are also embedded in the degree programme through the use of, for example, interactive support materials and web-based learning activities.

Laboratory PhysicsAs physics is an experimentally based subject, all students will undertake experimental physics as part of their degree. Students normally work in assigned pairs in the laboratory, with submitted reports and findings individually assessed. As part of this work students will become proficient in using Excel for analysing data and Word for laboratory reports. In their final year students will undertake a final year astrophysics project, placed within Astrophysics Research Centre at QUB.

LecturesThese introduce and explain the foundation information about topics as a starting point for further self-directed private study/reading. The material in the lectures will follow the syllabus issued at the start of the module, and will form the basis of the assessment carried out. As the modules progress and student’s knowledge of physics grows, this information becomes more complex. Lectures, which are normally delivered in large groups to all year-group peers, also provide opportunities to ask questions and seek clarification on key issues as well as gain feedback and advice on assessments.

Additional lectures may also be also delivered by invited speakers and scientists from various areas of physics – these lectures generally do not form part of the assessed work, but students are encouraged to attend to widen their knowledge and appreciation of the subject. There may also be lectures from employers of physics graduates. These enable employers to impart their valuable experience to physics students, and allows our physics students to meet and engage with potential future employers.

Self-directed studyThis is an essential part of life as a Queen’s student when important private reading, engagement with e-learning resources, reflection on feedback to date and assignment research and preparation work is carried out.

Seminars / TutorialsA significant amount of teaching is carried out in small groups (2–5 students). These sessions are designed to explore, in more depth, the information that has been presented in the lectures, and are normally based on coursework submitted by the students. This provides students with the opportunity to engage closely with academic staff who have specialist knowledge of the topic, to ask questions of them and to assess their own progress and understanding with the support of their peers. During these classes, students will be expected to present their work to academic staff and their peers.

Assessment

The way in which students are assessed will vary according to the learning objectives of each module. Details of how each module is assessed are shown in the Student Handbook which is provided to all students during their first year, and may be accessed online via the School website. Physics modules are typically assessed by a combination of continuous assessment and a final written unseen examination. Continuous assessment consists of:

Student Tutorial Questions/ Lecture Assignments – This involves the completion and submission of example problems on a weekly (tutorial) or three-weekly (assignment) basis as answered by individual students. These are submitted by students by an appropriate deadline and assessed, with the mark awarded contributing to the continuous assessment element of the module mark. The mark awarded reflects accuracy and clarity of the submitted answers together with understanding of the subject matter. Consistent with employer feedback, some modules also require students to prepare and make a small group presentations on a pre-assigned topic. Such group activities are also assessed, with the mark awarded contributing to the continuous assessment element of the module mark. To aid such exercises all students in their first year are given instruction and guidance on making successful presentations.

Laboratory and Computational Skills – All physics students are required to learn and understand the basic concepts of experimental physics. This involves understanding the basics of measurements, accuracy and error analysis; being able to understand and (in later levels) assess different methods of performing experimental measurements; reporting experimental findings and comparing them with prior knowledge of expectations based on physical laws. Assessment tales place through short laboratory reports or presentations, for which instruction is given. Additionally, all students will be given training in software coding using computer languages appropriate for scientific investigations, and this is assessed through worksheets and assignments.

Examinations – Most modules require the sitting of an unseen examination, to assess individual understanding of physical concepts and the ability to tackle problems in the taught areas of physics.

Feedback

As students’ progress through their course at Queen’s they will receive general and specific feedback about their work from a variety of sources including lecturers, module co-ordinators, personal tutors, advisers of study and peers (other students). University students are expected to engage with reflective practice and to use this approach to improve the quality of their work. Feedback may be provided in a variety of forms including:

Feedback provided via formal written comments and marks relating to work that you, as an individual or as part of a group, have submitted.

Face to face comment. This may include occasions when you make use of 1-1 discussions with lecturers to help you to address a specific query.

Online or emailed comment.

General comments or question and answer opportunities at the end of a lecture, seminar or tutorial.

Pre-submission advice regarding the standards you should aim for and common pitfalls to avoid. In some instances, this may be provided in the form of model answers or exemplars which you can review in your own time.

Feedback and outcomes from experimental classes and computer workshops.

Comment and guidance provided by staff from specialist support services including Careers, Employability and Skills or the Learning Development Service.

Facilities

Undergraduate Teaching Centre

Throughout their time with us, students will use the new Mathematics and Physics Teaching Centre. Opened in 2016 with almost £2 million of new equipment, students can use the well-equipped twin computer rooms for both self-study and project work. In the physics laboratories, students will be able to investigate everything from the nature of lasers, to the quantum mechanical properties of the electron, to the dynamic hydrogen chromosphere of the Sun.

Access CourseNot considered. Applicants should apply for the BSc Physics with Astrophysics degree.

International Baccalaureate Diploma36 points overall including 6 6 6 at Higher Level including Mathematics and Physics. If not offered at Higher Level/GCSE then Standard Level grade 4 in English would be accepted.

GraduateA minimum of a 2:2 Honours Degree, provided any subject requirement is also met.

Selection Criteria

In addition, to the entrance requirements above, it is essential that you read our guidance below on 'How we choose our students' prior to submitting your UCAS application.

Applications are dealt with centrally by the Admissions and Access Service rather than by the School of Mathematics and Physics. Once your on-line form has been processed by UCAS and forwarded to Queen's, an acknowledgement is normally sent within two weeks of its receipt at the University.

Selection is on the basis of the information provided on your UCAS form. Decisions are made on an ongoing basis and will be notified to you via UCAS.

For entry last year, applicants for programmes in the School of Mathematics and Physics must have had, or been able to achieve, a minimum of five GCSE passes at grade C or better (to include English Language and Mathematics), though this profile may change from year to year depending on the demand for places. The Selector also checks that any specific entry requirements in terms of GCSE and/or A-level subjects can be fulfilled.

Offers are normally made on the basis of three A-levels. The offer for repeat applicants may be one grade higher than for first time applicants. Grades may be held from the previous year.

Applicants offering two A-levels and one BTEC Subsidiary Diploma/National Extended Certificate (or equivalent qualification) will also be considered. Offers will be made in terms of performance in individual BTEC units rather than the overall BTEC grade(s) awarded. Please note that a maximum of one BTEC Subsidiary Diploma/National Extended Certificate (or equivalent) will be counted as part of an applicant’s portfolio of qualifications. The normal GCSE profile will be expected.

Applicants offering other qualifications will also be considered. The same GCSE (or equivalent) profile is usually expected of those applicants offering other qualifications.

The information provided in the personal statement section and the academic reference together with predicted grades are noted but, in the case of degree courses in the School of Mathematics and Physics, these are not the final deciding factors in whether or not a conditional offer can be made. However, they may be reconsidered in a tie break situation in August.

A-level General Studies and A-level Critical Thinking would not normally be considered as part of a three A-level offer and, although they may be excluded where an applicant is taking four A-level subjects, the grade achieved could be taken into account if necessary in August/September.

Applicants are not normally asked to attend for interview.

If you are made an offer then you may be invited to a Faculty/School Visit Day, which is usually held in the second semester. This will allow you the opportunity to visit the University and to find out more about the degree programme of your choice and the facilities on offer. It also gives you a flavour of the academic and social life at Queen's.

If you cannot find the information you need here, please contact the University Admissions and Access Service (admissions@qub.ac.uk), giving full details of your qualifications and educational background.

International Students

For information on international qualification equivalents, please check the specific information for your country.

English Language Requirements

If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this degree programme, INTO Queen's University Belfast offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for admission to this degree.

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, we will be offering Academic English and Pre-sessional courses online only from June to September 2020.

Academic English: an intensive English language and study skills course for successful university study at degree level

Pre-sessional English: a short intensive academic English course for students starting a degree programme at Queen's University Belfast and who need to improve their English.

International Students - Foundation and International Year One Programmes

INTO Queen's offers a range of academic and English language programmes to help prepare international students for undergraduate study at Queen's University. You will learn from experienced teachers in a dedicated international study centre on campus, and will have full access to the University's world-class facilities.

These programmes are designed for international students who do not meet the required academic and English language requirements for direct entry.

Career Prospects

IntroductionStudents are encouraged to apply for summer or extended placements with local companies. Employers who specifically seek our Physics students for placements include Seagate and General Electric. Some MSci projects are undertaken in collaboration with outside organisations, including local companies, the NHS, and national and international facilities.
Physics graduates earn 14 per cent more on average than other graduates (HESA 2014). They have a significantly lower unemployment rate on qualification and over a lifetime, only graduates in medicine or law earn more than those with a physics degree (Institute of Physics Careers Survey 2012).
Physics-related jobs are available in research, development, and general production in many high technology and related industries. These include medicine, biotechnology, electronics, optics, aerospace, computation and nuclear technology. Physics graduates are also sought after for many other jobs, such as business consultancy, finance, business, insurance, taxation and accountancy, where their problem-solving skills and numeracy are highly valued. In Northern Ireland alone in 2015, there were almost 59,000 jobs in physics based industries (Institute of Physics Report 2017).
About half of our students go on to further study after graduation. Some physics graduates take up careers in education, while a number are accepted for a PhD programme in Physics, which can enhance employment prospects or provide a path to a research physicist position. Most of the rest of our graduates move rapidly into full-time employment, most in careers that require a degree.

Skills to enhance employability

As part of the assessment within our modules, students will have to prepare reports, give presentations and work together within small groups. Students will become experienced in using spreadsheet and Word processing software to analyse and communicate their findings. Additionally, basic computer programming is taught to allow computational modelling of physical phenomena, which can then be applied to many non-scientific areas of commerce and industry. The problem-solving and communication skills that are essential to scientific study are also recognised as important attributes for many other careers.

Professional OpportunitiesStudents undertaking the Physics with Extended studies in Europe degree will spend a year studying physics in a University on mainland Europe.

Additional Awards Gained

Students will have partially fulfilled the requirements to obtain the status of Chartered Physicist (CPhys) with the Institute of Physics.

Prizes and Awards

Top performing students are eligible for a number of prizes within the School.

Degree plus award for extra-curricular skills

In addition to your degree programme, at Queen's you can have the opportunity to gain wider life, academic and employability skills. For example, placements, voluntary work, clubs, societies, sports and lots more. So not only do you graduate with a degree recognised from a world leading university, you'll have practical national and international experience plus a wider exposure to life overall. We call this Degree Plus. It's what makes studying at Queen's University Belfast special.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fee rates are calculated based on a student’s tuition fee status and generally increase annually by inflation. How tuition fees are determined is set out in the Student Finance Framework.

* The tuition fees that EU students starting courses at UK universities following the agreed transition period are required to pay will depend on what is agreed as part of the UK's exit negotiations. Please refer to www.qub.ac.uk/brexit-advice/information-for-students

Additional course costs

All Students

Depending on the programme of study, there may be extra costs which are not covered by tuition fees, which students will need to consider when planning their studies.

Students can borrow books and access online learning resources from any Queen's library.

If students wish to purchase recommended texts, rather than borrow them from the University Library, prices per text can range from £30 to £100. A programme may have up to 6 modules per year, each with a recommended text.

Students should also budget between £30 to £75 per year for photocopying, memory sticks and printing charges.

Students undertaking a period of work placement or study abroad, as either a compulsory or optional part of their programme, should be aware that they will have to fund additional travel and living costs.

If a final year includes a major project or dissertation, there may be costs associated with transport, accommodation and/or materials. The amount will depend on the project chosen. There may also be additional costs for printing and binding.

Students may wish to consider purchasing an electronic device; costs will vary depending on the specification of the model chosen.

There are also additional charges for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines.

Physics with Astro-Physics costs

All essential software will be provided by the University, for use on University facilities, however for some software, students may choose to buy a version for home use.

How do I fund my study?

There are different tuition fee and student financial support arrangements for students from Northern Ireland, those from England, Scotland and Wales (Great Britain), and those from the rest of the European Union.

International Scholarships

How and when to Apply

How to Apply
Application for admission to full-time undergraduate and sandwich courses at the University should normally be made through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). Full information can be obtained from the UCAS website at: www.ucas.com/students.

When to Apply
UCAS will start processing applications for entry in autumn 2020 from 1 September 2019.

Advisory closing date: 15 January 2020 (18:00). This is the 'equal consideration' deadline for this course.

Applications from UK and EU students after this date are, in practice, considered by Queen’s for entry to this course throughout the remainder of the application cycle (30 June 2020) subject to the availability of places.

Applications from International (non-UK/EU) students are normally considered by Queen’s for entry to this course until 30 June 2020. If you apply for 2020 entry after this deadline, you will automatically be entered into Clearing.

Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as is consistent with having made a careful and considered choice of institutions and courses.

The Institution code name for Queen's is QBELF and the institution code is Q75.

Terms and Conditions

Additional Information for International (non-EU) Students

Applying through UCAS
Most students make their applications through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) for full-time undergraduate degree programmes at Queen's. The UCAS application deadline for international students is 30 June 2020.

Applying direct
The Direct Entry Application form is to be used by international applicants who wish to apply directly, and only, to Queen's or who have been asked to provide information in advance of submitting a formal UCAS application. Find out more.

Applying through agents and partners
The University’s in-country representatives can assist you to submit a UCAS application or a direct application. Please consult the Agent List to find an agent in your country who will help you with your application to Queen’s University.